Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chenese Lewis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chenese, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most impactful projects I’ve been involved in was producing Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day for six years. When I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and plus-size modeling, I was also reigning as Miss Plus America with a platform centered on positive body image, which was a pioneering concept at the time.

During one of my engagements, someone on set mentioned the National Organization for Women (NOW) and their annual Love Your Body Day initiative. Intrigued, I researched the organization and discovered a newly formed local chapter in Hollywood. I attended a meeting, joined the chapter, and pitched my idea to create an event for Love Your Body Day. With their enthusiastic support, I was able to bring my vision to fruition.

The event aimed to promote body positivity and self-confidence among women. We secured a celebrity host and launched a promotional photo campaign encouraging body acceptance. In 2010, our campaign featuring Whitney Thompson, winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle Ten, went viral internationally.

This project holds special meaning for me because of its empowering message and the vast number of people we were able to reach and inspire.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and discovered my passion for modeling and acting in the early 2000s. At that time, there were no opportunities in the fashion and entertainment industry where I lived, so I searched online and stumbled upon a new pageant for plus-size women called Miss Plus America. Despite having no previous pageant experience, I saw it as a great opportunity for exposure. I entered the pageant and made history by being crowned the first Miss Plus America in 2003.

Through my pageant title, I promoted the platform of positive body image, which became the foundation of my brand. Shortly after, I relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment as a plus-size model and actress. I built my brand from scratch, earning national credits in acting and modeling, and expanded into speaking, hosting, podcasting, and event production. Before the social media boom, I was a trailblazer as a plus-size woman in the public eye.

In 2020, FORBES recognized me as “One of the Original Plus Size Influencers,” and in 2023, I received the Icon Award from the Full Figured Industry Awards in New York, acknowledging my trailblazing efforts and significant contributions to the plus-size community over the past two decades.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As I mentioned earlier, my pageant platform of promoting positive body image became the cornerstone of my brand. Most of my projects, or those I participate in, are designed to empower women, particularly in fostering body confidence and self-esteem. I was always genuinely driven by passion, and I believe this authenticity resonated in everything I did, leading to numerous opportunities falling into place. My work continues to be fueled by the desire to inspire and uplift, ensuring that every woman feels confident, beautiful, and valued.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A significant time of transition in my life came when my father fell ill, and I had to abruptly put my career on hold to move back home. Leaving Los Angeles and returning to my hometown of Baton Rouge meant stepping away from an environment rich with opportunities in the fields I was pursuing. This pivot was challenging, as it required me to adapt to a new reality where the local market did not offer the same prospects for my career in entertainment and modeling.

However, the internet proved to be a vital resource during this period. It enabled me to maintain my brand’s presence and even expand into new areas. Through online platforms, I was able to connect with a broader audience, collaborate with industry professionals, and explore new opportunities. I leveraged social media, virtual events, and digital content creation to stay relevant and continue making an impact.

Despite the geographical limitations, I found ways to thrive. I focused on event hosting, keynote speaking, and moderating panel discussions, which I could often do remotely. I also continued my podcast, “The Chenese Lewis Show,” reaching out to influential figures in the plus-size industry for interviews. This allowed me to remain engaged with my community and keep my message of body positivity alive.

This pivot not only kept my career afloat but also enriched it. I learned to adapt and innovate, using the tools at my disposal to overcome obstacles. It reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability, qualities that have since become integral to my professional journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cheneselewis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheneselewis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheneselewis
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cheneselewis

Image Credits

Image Credits
Photographer: Meka Matthews
Makeup & Hair: D’Shayne Washington